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Rila Monastery day tour with Optional SPA/Thermal baths

By City Tour Sofia
9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is €25 per adult
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 8h+
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Multiple languages

Overview

  • Visit the legendary UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery
  • Explore the spectacular Rila Mountains
  • Learn about Bulgarian history, Orthodox traditions, and monastery life
  • Admire colourful frescoes, unique architecture, and mountain landscapes
  • Optional SPA & thermal baths experience with natural mineral hot springs

Activity location

    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Check availability

Full day tour to RILA Monastery /NO SPA/

  • Activity duration is 8 hours8h
    8h
  • English

Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site and Bulgaria’s spiritual heart, is famed for its frescoes and architecture. Explore the church and courtyard, with free time for photos, souvenirs, or lunch. Spa visit is not included.

Language options: English
Starting time: 09:00
Price details
€25.00 x 1 Adult€25.00
Total
Price is €25.00

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's included
    Return transport from Sofia
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Scenic drive through the Rila Mountains
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Free time to explore the monastery courtyard and souvenir shops
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Optional experience of your choice:
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Monastery Museum visit
  • What's includedWhat's included
    Spa visit
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Meals and drinks (bring your own lunch or purchase locally)
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Service charge for guides or drivers
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Spa entry tickets
  • What's excludedWhat's excluded
    Towels and dressing gowns are not included in the price

Know before you book

  • Not allowed: High-heeled shoes, Short skirts, Shorts
  • Not suitable for: People with mobility impairments
  • In accordance with EU regulations about consumer rights, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.
  • This activity is provided by a professional trader (a party acting within their trade, business or profession).

What you can expect

Escape the city and discover two of Bulgaria’s most unforgettable experiences in one perfect day — the iconic Rila Monastery and a relaxing thermal SPA retreat in the heart of the breathtaking Rila Mountains.

This full-day tour from Sofia combines culture, history, nature, wellness, and authentic Bulgarian traditions, making it one of the best day trips in Bulgaria for travellers looking to experience the country beyond the capital.

Discover the UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery

Enjoy a scenic drive through the spectacular Rila Mountains before arriving at the world-famous Rila Monastery — Bulgaria’s largest and most important Eastern Orthodox monastery and one of the country’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Founded in the 10th century by Saint John of Rila, the monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most treasured spiritual and cultural landmarks. Hidden among pine forests and dramatic mountain scenery, the monastery captivates visitors with:

Stunning colourful frescoes
Beautiful striped arcades
Intricate wood-carved interiors
Ancient religious icons
Peaceful mountain atmosphere
Unique Bulgarian Revival architecture

If you select the guided option, your professional English-speaking guide will reveal the fascinating history of the monastery, explain the life of Saint John of Rila, and uncover the hidden symbolism behind the spectacular frescoes and religious artwork.

Free Time at Rila Monastery

After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.

You can:

Walk through the monastery courtyard
Take incredible photos of the Rila Mountains
Visit local souvenir shops
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred place
Visit the monastery museum (optional)

Optional Thermal SPA & Hot Mineral Pools Experience ♨️

Upgrade your day with a relaxing SPA and thermal baths experience surrounded by beautiful mountain nature.

After exploring the monastery, unwind in natural mineral hot spring pools famous for their soothing and therapeutic properties. Relax your body and mind while enjoying panoramic mountain views and fresh alpine air.

The SPA experience is ideal for:

Couples
Families
Solo travellers
Wellness lovers
Travellers seeking relaxation after sightseeing

This unique combination of culture, nature, and wellness makes the tour one of the most complete experiences near Sofia.

Scenic Return to Sofia

After a day filled with history, mountain landscapes, and relaxation, sit back and enjoy the scenic drive back to Sofia.

Expected return time: approximately 18:30–18:40, depending on traffic and group size.

Why Travellers Love This Tour
Visit Bulgaria’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Site
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rila Mountains
Combine culture, history, nature, and wellness in one unforgettable day
Relax in natural thermal mineral pools
Perfect escape from Sofia
Comfortable transport included
Ideal for all types of travellers
One of the best-rated day trips from Sofia

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    • Sofia
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    • Sofia Center, bul. "Yanko Sakazov" 7, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria | Meet your guide at Vasil Levski Monument, Yanko Sakuzov Blvd 7. Ask for the City Tour travel agency. The van departs at 9:00 AM and will not wait for you if you are late.
    • Sofia, Sofia City Province, Bulgaria